Japanese gifts exchange manner (日本)

Japanese gifts exchange manner (日本)

Gift exchange is a time-honored, popular tradition in Japan. It is regarded much more important than it is in the West. Among various types of gift a money gift may be unique and peculiar.


A money gift indicates affection, appreciation, respect or condolence. The amount is greater in proportion to the closeness of your relationship.


It should be presented in a special envelope (No-shi-bukuro), wrapped in a correct manner. No-shi-bukuro can be easily found at any stationary shop, department store, or even at Seven Eleven (Please be sure to choose the right No-shi-bukuro, depending on the nature of the gift related to the occasions).


Write your name on the backside of the envelope, using a Japanese brush-type pen. When you are well informed with HOW-TO offer a monetary gift you may avoid embarrassing situations in Japanese social life.


Wedding Ceremony
When you are invited to the wedding ceremony you should bring "Go-shu-gi" on the day and hand it to the person at the reception.
If you are a family, relative of the couple you should sent a gift either before of after the ceremony, not on the very day.
The appropriate amount of "Go-shu-gi" may vary according to the area, your age, your social status and the relationship between you and the couple.
The money has to be new bills.
Money gift: Go-shu-gi
Average amount: 10,000 yen to 100,000 yen
No-shi-bukuro: Kotobuki, Go-ke-kkon-o-iwai, O-iwai
MizuhikiColor: Red & white, or gold & silver
MizuhikiStyle: Musubi-kiri, Awaji-musubi


Funeral Service
You should offer Ko-den to either O-tsu-ya (wake) or O-so-shiki (funeral service) and hand it at the reception.
The appropriate amount of Ko-den may vary according to the area, your age, your social status and the relationship between you and the deceased.
Money gift: Ko-den
Average amount: 5,000 to 50,000 yen
No-shi-bukuro: Go-rei-zen,Go-butsu-zen, (No-shi should not be attached).
MizuhikiColor: Black and white, silver
MizuhikiStyle: Musubi-kiri, Awaji-musubi


Giving a Birth
If you are a family, relative or close friend of a newly becoming mother you shall give Shu-ssan-iwai.
You should offer a gift present as well, which would be more intimate and appreciated.
Money gift: Shu-ssan-iwai
Average amount: 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen
No-shi-bukuro: O-iwai
MizuhikiColor: Red & white
MizuhikiStyle: Cho-musubi


Visiting Someone at the Hospital
Cash token of sympathy can be handed in O-mi-mai No-shi-bukuro.
Alternatively you can bring some fruits, flower basket or send a get-well card
(Be aware that there are several types of flower that should no be chosen.).
Or you may offer both.
Money gift: O-mi-mai
Average amount: 10,000 yen
No-shi-bukuro: O-mi-mai, Iwai-on-zen-kai,
Mizu-gashi-ryo: O-kuda-mono-ryo , White envelope shall be accepted, too.
MizuhikiColor: Red & white
MizuhikiStyle: Musubi-kiri

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